BVRcIc photometric evolution and flickering during the 2010 outburst of the recurrent nova U Scorpii

TL;DR

This paper presents detailed photometric observations of the 2010 outburst of recurrent nova U Scorpii, analyzing its light-curve evolution, plateau phase differences, and flickering behavior across different bands.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed comparison of the 2010 outburst with the 1999 event, highlighting differences in plateau brightness, duration, and flickering characteristics.

Findings

The 2010 outburst had a brighter, shorter plateau phase than 1999.

Flickering was observed only on specific days, with larger amplitude in the I band.

Light-curve decline times were similar to previous outbursts.

Abstract

CCD BVRcIc photometric observations of the 2010 outburst of the recurrent nova U Scorpii are presented. The light-curve has a smooth development characterized by t2(V)=1.8 and t3(V)=4.1 days, close to the t2(V)=2.2 and t3(V)=4.3 days of 1999 outburst. The plateau phase in 2010 has been brighter, lasting shorter and beginning earlier than in the 1999 outburst. Flickering, with an amplitude twice larger in $I_{\rm C}$ than in $B$ band, was absent on day +4.8 and +15.7, and present on day +11.8, with a time scale of about half an hour.